Speaking Municipally

We spoke with the Edmonton Riverhawks about the proposed River Crossing plan that could turn the RE/MAX Field parking lot into housing. Plus, derelict property owners better look out — Mayor Andrew Knack is coming for you! And we reminisce about the good old days of Boston Pizza on Jasper Avenue. (00:00) - Introduction (01:11) - Ad: Edmonton Opera (05:02) - Scramble intersections (10:31) - River C...

Council took some steps toward funding a comprehensive BRT and pedestrian realm project along Whyte Ave, but we also learned that the city will continue to make some piecemeal changes this year. Plus, The Quarters CRL isn't doing so well, and the city wants you to build the budget. (00:00) - Introduction (01:31) - Ad: GoodMorning (02:12) - Whyte Avenue transit priority measures (22:08) - 101 Stree...

Andrea Donini of the Old Strathcona Business Association joins us for a discussion about Prioritize Whyte Ave, a coalition that wants to see more investment in Whyte Avenue. Plus, the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre needs more money, despite being scaled down, and we talk about the fallout from the police chief's trip to Israel. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Prioritize Whyte Ave Andr...

Council debated changes to the single-use item bylaw, especially related to drive-thrus. Plus, we discuss a funding cut for Boyle Street, reaction to the police chief's recent trip to Israel, and some new jobs for Amarjeet Sohi and Tim Cartmell. (00:00) - Introduction (01:43) - Ad: Capital Awards (02:23) - Waste reduction update (14:53) - Boyle Street funding cut (20:18) - Ad: GoodMorning (21:21)...

Progress is being made in Chinatown, but several challenges remain, including some long-standing issues like the 97 Street bridge. Plus, there's a new downtown housing incentive, and council approved its strategic priorities for the term ahead of budget planning. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Chinatown Strategy update Chinatown Strategy - Initiatives and Progress - March 04, 2026 '...

The City of Edmonton has announced funding for parts of the Downtown Action Plan. Plus, we discuss changes to the upcoming construction season, a motion about event legacies, and we take a trip to Gibbons, a town on the verge of financial collapse. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Audience survey Taproot audience survey Extreme weather response News Release: Extreme weather response a...

Council has approved selling land to an affordable housing provider, despite community pushback. Plus, some restaurant owners will have to pay more for patios this year, and we have updates on infill and snow clearing. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Audience survey Taproot audience survey Update on infill Edmonton council votes to keep infill maximum at eight units Edmonton city cou...

Troy returns to the podcast to talk about infill and zoning. Plus, we get his take on Happy Beer Street, and we look at an interim election audit report. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Audience survey Taproot audience survey Troy Pavlek TroyPavlek.ca Infill rezoning After 2 days of Edmonton infill debate, city committee sends decision to council Residents speak for and against infil...

We look at a proposal for that beloved downtown pit, also known as the former BMO site. Plus, provincial workers are back in office full-time, and they might soon have a new bike lane to get there! Fill out the Taproot audience survey here! Here are the relevant links for this episode: BMO site Edmonton Design Committee meeting - Jan. 20, 2026 November 2025: City seeking input on how former BMO bu...

Edmonton city council examined the 10-year financial outlook for the city this week. Spoiler alert: we have no money! Plus, we look at changes to the way council approves new suburbs. Here are the relevant links for this episode: 10-Year Outlook 2027-2036 Capital Investment Outlook 2027-2036 Operating Investment Outlook Terms of reference Bylaw 21358 - To amend the River's Edge Neighbourhood Struc...

This week, members of Edmonton city council called for more civility and respect after reports of threats and harassment directed at snow-clearing crews. Plus, we discuss the latest departure from Station Park, Edmonton's new brand, and some updates from Taproot Edmonton. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Extreme weather Extreme Weather Response for Winter Safety and respect City staff...

This week, we are still discussing snow clearing, or the lack thereof, although Mother Nature is helping. Plus, we examine an investigation into crime on Edmonton's transit system, and more proposed changes to the zoning bylaw. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Transit safety 'Frequent flyers' behind surge in violence on public transit Public transit now patrolled by 15 more peace offi...

Happy New Year! Edmonton continues to deal with the fallout from all the recent snowfall. Plus, we look at some statistics showing what types of housing were built, and where, in 2025. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Snow removal City of Edmonton says back-to-back snowfall events making snow removal a challenge Navigating an Unprecedented Winter: What You Need to Know About Snow Clea...

We spoke to Mayor Andrew Knack about our growing city, and our shrinking regional economic development organization. Plus, council held a public hearing, reviewed proposed changes to provincial electoral boundaries, and we look ahead to 2026. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Knack interview Regional collaboration still desired, despite Edmonton Global exodus: Knack Fort Saskatchewan f...

You can now tap your credit card, debit card, or digital wallet to ride transit. Additionally, we'll discuss updates to the capital and operating budgets, and progress towards the city's tree-planting goal. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Extreme weather News Release: Extreme weather response activated today Extreme Weather Response for Winter Tap-to-pay News Release: Arc tap to pay...

The tax increase for 2026 is set at 6.9%. We examine the 2026 budget deliberations and Edmonton's growth pressures, noting what council decided on, and why. Plus, the old Royal Alberta Museum is one step closer to being saved. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Snow Edmonton 'business as usual' for icy road cleanup, not considering bringing back calcium chloride: Knack Giving Tuesday Gi...

This week, council got to ask questions about the proposed fall budget adjustment. Plus, we learn more about the city's plan to enforce speed limits, the "end" of construction season, and the Valley Line LRT turns two. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Budget Report: Operating Financial Update - Sept. 30, 2025 Report: Fall 2025 Supplemental Operating Budget Adjustment - 2023-2026 Opera...

Council held its first public hearing since the election, and infill was front and centre. Plus, we talk about Vision Zero, P3 projects, and the upcoming budget season. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Public hearing Infill expansion in Mayfield neighbourhood rejected unanimously by council Vision Zero With pedestrian fatalities climbing in Edmonton, advocates call for safer infrastru...

Troy is back! For a chat. We talk about the election and his plans. Plus, we check in on Better Edmonton, the downtown park, and the bike lanes on 103 Avenue. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Troy Pavlek TroyPavlek.ca Troy appreciation thread on Reddit Episode 316: Can you get rid of the Rapidfire segment next? Municipal parties 2 new city councillors are leaving Better Edmonton. What...

We sit down with Edmonton's new mayor, Andrew Knack, to talk about optimism, regional collaboration, video game marathons, and much more.  Here are the relevant links for this episode: Mayor Andrew Knack AndrewKnack.ca Andrew Knack at Taproot's vote site Andrew Knack - Extra Life Edmonton donation page Related links New Edmonton city council votes unanimously to create more daytime shelter spaces...

This week, we take you inside city hall for the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural city council meeting of the 2025-2029 term. Plus, we look at possible changes to provincial electoral boundaries in Edmonton, and hear from some municipal election scrutineers. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Swearing-in ceremony Edmonton's new city council starts work by identifying priorities Don Ive...

We take an initial look at Edmonton's new city council, which looks eerily similar to the old one. Plus, we discuss delayed results, missing ballots, and monumental recounts.  Here are the relevant links for this episode: Election results Unofficial results Andrew Knack: 'Edmonton chose independent leadership' Edmonton mayor-elect Knack's priorities include safety, affordability Edmonton votes 202...

We reflect on the biggest issues the 2025 campaign. Plus, we cover advance voting turnout and some last little bits of election analysis.  Here are the relevant links for this episode: 2021 Election Oct. 15, 2021: Episode 151 - It's Election Thyme Taproot Survey Comparison of Cartmell, Jaffer, Knack, and Walters Candidate Pitches The Taproot Survey is helping voters and candidates ahead of Electio...

We dive into how much money candidates have raised and been forced to declare. Plus, we paid a visit to the mayor's office for an exit interview.  Here are the relevant links for this episode: Bike lanes Valley Line West: 102 Avenue bike lanes temporarily moving to 103 Avenue Campaign disclosures Voters told Taproot they want campaign contributions disclosed before the election Disclosures show Ca...

This week, we're excited for the new Warehouse Park, and scared about the impact of the postal strike on the election. Plus, we bring you the scariest audio of all: candidate soundbites! Here are the relevant links for this episode: Warehouse Park Warehouse Park, other incentives spur up to 1,800 housing units downtown Warehouse Park - City of Edmonton Postal strike City elections office forms con...